So by now, most
drinkers (and some non-drinkers) would know what whiskey
stones are. However, just in case: whiskey stones, also called whiskey
rocks, sipping stones or reusable ice cubes, are cubes of actual rock (at least
the original ones are) that are used to chill whiskey and other beverages. The
hype surrounding them has been slowly catching on over the past few years with
many swearing by their functionality and others not convinced.
The whole purpose
and relevance behind these…gadgets, if you may, is to chill the drink without
affecting its flavor like ice would do (because ice melts). Obviously, this would
appeal more to the purists who prefer their liquor neat (without any water
added) but wouldn’t mind it being below room temperature. Also, the rock that
they are made from, Soapstone, is non-porous so it doesn’t give off any odor or
aftertaste which could affect the flavor of the drink. For those who may feel
indifferent because they don’t drink whiskey (or alcohol for that matter), it
should be noted that the stones can be used in anything meant for drinking. They
are only so named because the person who invented them loves whiskey. Their
usefulness does not stop at drinking, however. Here are 7 things that whiskey stones
can be used for which may, or may not include whiskey.
1. As an Icepack:
We all
have had that soaring fever that turned us into the ‘human torch’ as our bodies
fought off one pathogen or another. Similarly, we all can relate to a throbbing
pain and/or swelling resulting from a painful blow, whether from playing sports,
falling down the stairs or a guy being on the wrong end of his woman’s frying
pan. Whatever the case, a cold pack made from whiskey stones might just be the
right aid to reduce that swelling and relieve the pain. Grabbing a bag of
frozen stones from the freezer and resting it on the forehead, under the arms
or on affected muscle(s), results in a soothing chill which won’t cramp like
ice often does and neither will it drip water all over.
2. Cooling Down Hot Beverages:
Not
everyone has mastered the art of sipping tea or coffee, and many have them at
too high a temperature. Scalding the tongue because one misjudged the actual
temperature of the liquid, is not uncommon to most people. When in doubt, one
can easily toss in a few whiskey rocks straight out the freezer. They will drop
the temperature to the desired level (depending on how many stones used)
without affecting the taste as melting ice would do.
3. Relieving Puffy Eyes:
In
today’s rush-rush world, getting the required 8 hours sleep has become more of
an unreachable ideal rather than reality. Heck, it’s pretty hard to find a
member of the working class who gets in 5 or more hours for the night. Additionally,
allergies and other (stressful) activities often cause a look of being sleepy
when that is not the case. As a result, puffy eyes are now a main contributor
to the profits incurred by the beauty industry, especially resulting from those
who don’t have time for the teabag trick or the slices of cucumber. Whiskey
rocks can do the trick as well. Much like how it can be used as an icepack for
swellings, rest a few of the cold rocks over those puffy eyes for a few minutes
and voila!
4. Therapeutic Massage Stones:
Massage
oil: check.
Soothing
music: check.
Strong
hands: check.
Massage
stones: er…break out the whiskey stones?
Okay, so
whiskey stones are not usually found at massage parlors, unless they serve
whiskey while giving back rubs. However, Soapstone, the stuff from which the
whiskey rocks are made, are among several types of metamorphic rocks used for
hot and cold stone massage therapy. It is famous for its thermal properties and
has been used for years for many temperature related applications. Whiskey
stones allow the same treatment being offered at these spas to be done
inexpensively at home, particularly for those couples who want to get a similar
stone massage treatment without the cost of a spa session. Simply heat up those
whiskey stones for a few minutes (or refrigerate them for a cold stone massage)
and relax as they soothe the stress away.
5. Relieving Cramps:
Ladies
can definitely relate to this one, especially during that dreadful time of the
month when their bodies collide with nature. Some women use heat pads for
non-medical relief but some experts think that a cold pack may be better
because some cramps result from a build-up of blood in the pelvic region.
Either way, whiskey stones conduct heat and cold equally well so using them in
the place of a heat pad or as an icepack can provide relief from cramps.
6. Treating Hot Flashes:
Not
picking on women here, but hot flashes are among the most common symptoms of
menopause and stop short of driving women crazy who are affected by
‘change-of-life.’ Apart from medication and exercise, cold packs work well to
lower high temperatures. Putting a frozen bag of whiskey stones under the
pillow while sleeping will provide a level of relief (at least until sleep
comes), although more than one bag might be needed to do the trick. They can
also be used to chill drinking water kept by the bed, without making it too
cold.
7. Having ‘On the Rocks’ Parties (Duh!):
This goes
for both drinkers and non-drinkers who want to do this literally. Whiskey rocks
are suitable for any type of drink so whether it’s a soda party for kids,
having Champagne on the rocks while celebrating or even a wine tasting event.
Labeling the event as a truly ‘on the rocks’ experience will not only add hype
but also originality based on the fact that 100% natural rock will be in actual
use. This would also seem cool to people who are new to the world of drinking
and those who may not be familiar with whiskey stones. The possibilities are
endless for this idea, just think of the response by members of a private/VIP
bar or one with an earthen theme.
Other
things the whiskey stones might be good for: Soapstone jewelry, chilling
champagne buckets, shooting birds with catapults (just kidding). Obviously,
some of the uses of whiskey stones may seem counterproductive as it relates to
cost (just use no-cost ice, right?). However, the benefits include the fact
that frozen whiskey stones won’t cramp like ice often does when it hits a nerve
and because it doesn’t melt, won’t cause a mess. Also, they are relatively inexpensive,
with some
of the best whiskey stones costing close to a dime a dozen on Amazon; plus they
last forever (unless you hammer them, of course).
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